Hydraulically controlled flip up mower deck

ABSTRACT

A mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractor device and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontal first position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frame is moveable from the first position to the second position via a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame to pivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries a tensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. The tensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension a belt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion of the lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in a state of tension.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a mower or mower deckmoveable between a generally horizontal first position to a generallyvertical second position. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a hydraulic controlled mower that pivots between the firstposition and the second position and method of use thereof.

Background Information

Riding tractors with attached mowers or mower decks are utilized to mowgrass. The mower decks are often sized to enable significant areas ofgrass to be maintained via cutting/mowing. As grass is cut by the mowerit may sometimes stick to the underside of the mower deck or clog adischarge chute. Accordingly, mowers are required to be cleaned. When amower or its deck remains in a fixed position relative to generallyhorizontal ground it is difficult to clean the grass remnants or clogs.

SUMMARY

Issues continue to exist for mowers or mower decks. Namely, it isdifficult to clean the underside of a mower deck when it is clogged withgrass or otherwise needs to be serviced. The present disclosureaddresses these and other issues by providing a mower that ishydraulically actuated between a generally horizontal first position anda generally vertical second position. The hydraulic mechanisms may belocked with a portion of a tensioner assembly so as to prevent inadvertent retraction of a hydraulic piston.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a mower for attachment with a tractor device, the mowercomprising: a main frame carrying at least one rotatable mower cuttingblade, the rotatable mower cutting blade adapted to be driven by a powerunit on the tractor device; a first flange connected to the main frame;a first hitch arm pivotably connect to the first flange; a tensionerassembly connected to one of the first hitch arm or the main frame,wherein the tensioner assembly is adapted to apply tension to belts inoperable communication with the at least one rotatable mower cuttingblade, wherein a portion of the tensioner assembly is moveable between atensioned first position and a relaxed second position; and a lockassembly operatively coupled to the tensioner assembly, wherein aportion of the lock assembly is moveable from a locked position to anunlocked position in response to the tensioner assembly moving from thetensioned first position to the relaxed second position. This embodimentor another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the lockedposition of the lock assembly is associated with the tensioned firstposition of the tensioner assembly and the unlocked position of the lockbracket is associated with the relaxed second position of the tensionerassembly. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a generally horizontal first position of the main frame and agenerally vertical second position of the main frame; and a hydraulicpiston and cylinder assembly that moves the main frame from thegenerally horizontal first position to the generally vertical secondposition. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a rocker arm assembly pivotably connected to the first flangealong a first transverse axis and pivotably connected to a lock plate onthe lock assembly along a second transverse axis, wherein the rocker armassembly pivots about the first transverse axis and contacts the firstflange on the main frame to move the main frame from the generallyhorizontal first position to the generally vertical second position.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide apiston end on the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, wherein thepiston end is pivotably coupled to the rocker arm assembly along thesecond transverse axis. This embodiment or another exemplary embodimentmay further provide a cylinder end on the hydraulic piston and cylinderassembly, wherein the cylinder end is coupled to the first hitch arm.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further providewherein the lock plate pivots about the second transverse axis totransition the lock assembly from the locked position to the unlockedposition. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide at least one removable pin selectively connectable to a secondflange and a third flange, wherein when the at least one removable pinis selectively connected with the second flange the main frame isretained in the generally horizontal first position and when the atleast one removable pin is selectively connected with the third flangethe main frame is retained in the generally vertical second position.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide alock plate on the lock assembly, the lock plate including a top surfaceopposite a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface moves past aportion of a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly in a linear manneras the main frame is hydraulically moved from a generally horizontalfirst position to a generally vertical second position. This embodimentor another exemplary embodiment may further provide a lock plate of thelock assembly including an end engaging an annular endwall on ahydraulic cylinder in the locked position. This embodiment or anotherexemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the end of the lockplate defines a minor surface of the lock plate. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide a longitudinal pivotaxis associated with the tensioner assembly, wherein a portion of thetensioner assembly pivots about the longitudinal pivot axis; atransverse pivot axis associated with the lock assembly, wherein aportion of the lock assembly pivots about the transverse pivot axis; andwherein the longitudinal pivot axis is orthogonal to the transversepivot axis. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a leading edge and a trailing edge on the main frame, whereinthe transverse pivot axis is intermediate the leading edge and thetrailing edge. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment mayfurther provide a handle on the tensioner assembly; a lock plate on thelock assembly, wherein the handle engages the lock plate when thetensioner assembly is in the tensioned first position to maintain thelock plate in the locked position. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide a spring operatively connected to thelock plate to bias the lock plate to the unlocked position as thetensioner assembly is moved from the tensioned first position. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide asecondary extension on the tensioner assembly spaced apart parallel tothe handle and extending over the lock plate in the tensioned firstposition. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a longitudinally aligned first axis, wherein the handle rotatesabout the first axis, and the first axis is offset from the first hitcharm. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further providea transversely aligned second axis positioned rearward from a forwardend of the lock plate. This embodiment or another exemplary embodimentmay further provide a transversely aligned third axis offset parallel toand positioned forwardly from the transversely aligned second axis,wherein the lock plate pivots about the transversely aligned third axis.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide ahydraulic piston and cylinder assembly the including a piston linearlymoveable between a first position and a second position, wherein thefirst position of the piston is associated with the locked position ofthe lock plate; wherein the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly isoperatively connected with the main frame so as to move the main framefrom a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position inresponse to moving the piston on the hydraulic piston and cylinderassembly.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a mower for attachment with a tractor device, the mowercomprising: a main frame carrying at least one rotatable mower cuttingblade, the rotatable mower cutting blade adapted to be driven by a powerunit on the tractor device; a first flange connected to the main frame;a first hitch arm pivotably connect to the first flange; a tensionerassembly connected to one of the first hitch arm or the main frame,wherein the tensioner assembly is adapted to apply tension to belts inoperable communication with the at least one rotatable mower cuttingblade, wherein a portion of the tensioner assembly is moveable between atensioned first position and a relaxed second position; and a lockassembly operatively coupled to the tensioner assembly, wherein aportion of the lock assembly is moveable from a locked position to anunlocked position in response to the tensioner assembly moving from thetensioned first position to the relaxed second position. This embodimentor another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the lockedposition of the lock assembly is associated with the tensioned firstposition of the tensioner assembly and the unlocked position of the lockbracket is associated with the relaxed second position of the tensionerassembly; and wherein the lock assembly is moveable from the unlockedposition to the locked position in response to the tensioner assemblymoving from the relaxed second position to the tensioned first position.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide agenerally horizontal first position of the main frame and a generallyvertical second position of the main frame; and a hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly that moves the main frame from the generallyhorizontal first position to the generally vertical second position.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide arocker arm assembly pivotably connected to the first flange along afirst axis and pivotably connected to a lock plate along a second axis,wherein the rocker arm assembly pivots about the first axis and contactsthe main frame to move the main frame from the generally horizontalfirst position to the generally vertical second position. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a pistonend on the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, wherein the pistonend is pivotably coupled to the rocker arm assembly along the secondaxis. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a cylinder end on the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly,wherein the cylinder end is pivotably coupled to the first hitch arm.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further providewherein the lock plate moves from the locked position to the unlockedposition by pivoting about the second axis. This embodiment or anotherexemplary embodiment may further provide at least one removable pinselectively connectable to a second flange and a third flange, whereinwhen the at least one removable pin is selectively connected with thesecond flange the main frame is retained in the generally horizontalfirst position and when the at least one removable pin is selectivelyconnected with the third flange the main frame is retained in thegenerally vertical second position. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide a top surface opposite a bottom surfaceon a lock plate of the lock assembly, wherein the bottom surface movespast a portion of a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly in a linearmanner as the main frame is hydraulically moved from a generallyhorizontal first position to a generally vertical second position. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a lockplate of the lock assembly including an end engaging an annular endwallon a hydraulic cylinder in the locked position. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide a terminal end on thelock bracket, wherein the terminal end defines the minor surface. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide alongitudinal first pivot axis associated with the tensioner assembly,wherein a portion of the tensioner assembly pivots about the first pivotaxis; a transverse second pivot axis associated with the lock bracket,wherein the lock bracket pivots about the second pivot axis; and whereinthe first axis is orthogonal to the second axis. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide a leading edge and atrailing edge on the main frame, wherein the second pivot axis isintermediate the leading edge and the trailing edge. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide a handle on thetensioner assembly; a lock plate on the lock assembly, wherein thehandle engages the plate when the tensioner assembly is in the tensionedfirst position to maintain the lock plate in the locked position. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a springoperatively connected to the lock plate to bias the lock plate to theunlocked position as the tensioner assembly is moved from the tensionedfirst position. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment mayfurther provide a secondary extension on the tensioner assembly spacedapart parallel to the handle and extending over the lock plate in thetensioned first position. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide a longitudinally aligned first axis,wherein the handle rotations about the first axis, and the first axis isoffset from the first hitch arm. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide a transversely aligned second axispositioned rearward from a forward end of the lock plate. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide atransversely aligned third axis offset parallel to and positionedforwardly from the second axis, wherein the lock plate pivots about thethird axis. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly including a pistonlinearly moveable between an extended position and a retracted position,wherein the extended position of the piston is associated with thelocked position of the lock plate.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a method for moving a mower frame from a generally horizontalfirst position to a generally vertical second position comprising:moving a portion of a tensioner assembly from a tensioned first positionto a relaxed second position, wherein the tensioner assembly is carriedby the mower frame and is operatively connected with mower blades via atleast one belt; unlocking a lock assembly directly in response to theportion of the tensioner assembly moving from the tensioned firstposition; rotating the mower frame about a first transverse axis topivotably raise the mower frame from the generally horizontal firstposition to the generally vertical second position. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein rotating themower frame about the first transverse axis is accomplished by actuatinga hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly connected to the mower frame.This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further providepivoting a portion of a rocker arm assembly about the first transverseaxis, wherein the rocker arm assembly is connected to the hydraulicpiston and cylinder assembly and is connected to the mower frame. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide engaginga foot on the rocker arm assembly with the mower frame; and pivoting thefoot around the first transverse axis to rotate the main frame about thetransverse axis. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment mayfurther provide locking the mower frame in the generally vertical secondposition with pins selectively engaging a pin seat formed in a hitch armpivotably connected with the mower frame at a forward end and the hitcharm connected with a tractor device at a rear end. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide removing pinsselectively connected to a flange on the mower frame prior to moving theportion of the tensioner assembly. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide rotating a handle on the tensionerassembly about a first longitudinal axis; and releasing the handle froma direct engagement with a lock plate on the lock assembly. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide effectingthe at least one belt to be slacked in response to the handle beingreleased from the direct engagement with the lock plate. This embodimentor another exemplary embodiment may further provide relaxing a spring inresponse to the handle being released from the direct engagement withthe lock plate, wherein the spring is operatively connected to thehandle and the at least one belt. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide rotating a tension sheave wheel about asecond longitudinal axis in response to the handle being released fromthe direct engagement with the lock plate, wherein the secondlongitudinal axis is offset parallel to the first longitudinal axis andthe at least one belt extends around the tension sheave wheel. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide releasingan end of a lock plate on the lock assembly from a direct abutment witha portion of a hydraulic cylinder. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide urging the lock plate upwardly out of itsabutment with the hydraulic cylinder; and passing the end of the lockplate over a portion of the hydraulic cylinder in response to a pistonretracting into the hydraulic cylinder. This embodiment or anotherexemplary embodiment may further provide retracting the piston into thehydraulic cylinder to a retracted position shorter than an extendedposition of the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly; and rotating anend of the piston about a second transverse axis, wherein the end of thepiston is operatively connected with a rocker arm assembly. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide rotatingthe rocker arm assembly around the first transverse axis in response thepiston retracting relative to the hydraulic cylinder. This embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may further provide establishing a gapbetween an end of the lock plate and the hydraulic cylinder after movingthe tensioner assembly from the tensioned first position. Thisembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide raisingthe mower frame via lift arms on a tractor device prior to rotating themower frame about the first transverse axis. This embodiment or anotherexemplary embodiment may further provide wherein rotating the mowerabout the first transverse axis occurs when an operator is locatedrearwardly from the mower frame. This embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may further provide raising the mower frame via hydraulics onthe tractor device and rotating the mower via the hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly carried by the mower frame to effectuate the mowerframe moving from the generally horizontal first position to thegenerally vertical second position in a hands-free manner.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment the present disclosure mayprovide a mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractordevice and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontalfirst position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frameis moveable from the first position to the second position via ahydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame topivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries atensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. Thetensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension abelt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion ofthe lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in astate of tension.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a mower for attachment with a tractor device, the mowercomprising: a main frame carrying at least one rotatable mower cuttingblade, the rotatable mower cutting blade adapted to be driven by a powerunit on the tractor device; a first hitch arm pivotably connected to themain frame adapted to connect with the tractor device; wherein the mowerframe has a generally horizontal first position of the main frame and agenerally vertical second position of the main frame; and a hydraulicpiston and cylinder assembly that moves the main frame from thegenerally horizontal first position to the generally vertical secondposition. This embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may furtherprovide a tensioner assembly connected to one of the first hitch arm orthe main frame, wherein the tensioner assembly is adapted to applytension to belts in operable communication with the at least onerotatable mower cutting blade, wherein a portion of the tensionerassembly is moveable between a tensioned first position and a relaxedsecond position; and a lock assembly operatively coupled to thetensioner assembly, wherein a portion of the lock assembly is moveablefrom a locked position to an unlocked position in response to thetensioner assembly moving from the tensioned first position to therelaxed second position. This embodiment or another exemplary embodimentmay further provide wherein the locked position of the lock assembly isassociated with the tensioned first position of the tensioner assemblyand the unlocked position of the lock bracket is associated with therelaxed second position of the tensioner assembly.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosuremay provide a tractor frame; at least one ground engaging forward wheelcoupled with the frame; at least one ground engaging rear wheel coupledwith the frame; a seat adapted to support an operator; at least onelever adjacent the seat; an attachment indirectly coupled with thetractor frame and positioned forwardly from the forward wheel; a firsthydraulic assembly to lift the attachment from a generally horizontalfirst position to a raised and tilted second position, wherein theattachment in the second position is about the ground at an angle in arange from about 5° to about 30° relative to horizontal; a secondhydraulic assembly carried by the attachment to lift the attachment fromthe second position to a generally vertical third position, wherein theattachment in the third position is at a second angle in a range fromabout 70° to about 105° relative to horizontal; and wherein at least oneof the first and second hydraulic assemblies moves in response toactuation of the at least one lever adjacent the seat. This embodimentor another may further provide a tensioner assembly on the attachmentconnected to one of a first hitch arm or the main frame of theattachment, wherein the tensioner assembly is adapted to apply tensionto at least one belt, wherein a portion of the tensioner assembly ismoveable between a tensioned first position and a relaxed secondposition; and a lock assembly operatively coupled to the tensionerassembly, wherein a portion of the lock assembly is moveable from alocked position to an unlocked position in response to the tensionerassembly moving from the tensioned first position to the relaxed secondposition. This embodiment or another may further provide wherein thelocked position of the lock assembly is associated with the tensionedfirst position of the tensioner assembly and the unlocked position ofthe lock assembly is associated with the relaxed second position of thetensioner assembly. This embodiment or another may further provide arocker arm assembly pivotably connected to a first flange on the mainframe along a first transverse axis and pivotably connected to a lockplate on the lock assembly along a second transverse axis, wherein therocker arm assembly pivots about the first transverse axis and contactsthe first flange on the main frame to move the attachment from thesecond position to the third position. This embodiment or another mayfurther provide a lock plate on the lock assembly, the lock plateincluding a top surface opposite a bottom surface, wherein the bottomsurface moves past a portion of the second hydraulic assembly in alinear manner as the attachment is hydraulically moved from the secondposition to the third position.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a method for moving a mower frame from a generally horizontalposition to a generally vertical position comprising: actuating anelement on a tractor device in hydraulic communication with a mowerframe attached to the tractor device, wherein the mower frame ispositioned forwardly from the tractor device; effecting hydraulic fluidto move a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly in response toactuating the element on the tractor device; and moving the mower framebetween a generally horizontal position and a generally verticalposition. This embodiment or another may further provide raising themower frame via hydraulics on the tractor device to an tilted and raisedintermediate position. This embodiment or another may further providepivoting the mower frame via the hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblycarried by the mower frame to move the mower frame in a hands-freemanner from the generally horizontal position to the generally verticalposition, wherein actuating the element on the tractor occurs at alocation near a seat. This embodiment or another may further providemoving a portion of a tensioner assembly from a tensioned first positionto a relaxed second position, wherein the tensioner assembly is carriedby the mower frame and is operatively connected with mower blades via atleast one belt; unlocking a lock assembly directly in response to theportion of the tensioner assembly moving from the tensioned firstposition; and rotating the mower frame about a first transverse axis topivotably raise the mower frame from the generally horizontal firstposition to the generally vertical second position. This embodiment oranother may further provide wherein rotating the mower frame about thefirst transverse axis is accomplished by actuating a hydraulic pistonand cylinder assembly connected to the mower frame. This embodiment oranother may further provide pivoting a portion of a rocker arm assemblyabout the first transverse axis, wherein the rocker arm assembly isconnected to the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly and is connectedto the mower frame. This embodiment or another may further provideengaging a foot on the rocker arm assembly with the mower frame; andpivoting the foot around the first transverse axis to rotate the mainframe about the transverse axis. This embodiment or another may furtherprovide locking the mower frame in the generally vertical position withpins selectively engaging a pin seat formed in a hitch arm pivotablyconnected with the mower frame at a forward end and the hitch armconnected with a tractor device at a rear end. This embodiment oranother may further provide removing pins selectively connected to aflange on the mower frame prior to moving the portion of the tensionerassembly. This embodiment or another may further provide rotating ahandle on the tensioner assembly about a first longitudinal axis; andreleasing the handle from a direct engagement with a lock plate on thelock assembly. This embodiment or another may further provide effectingthe at least one belt to be slacked in response to the handle beingreleased from the direct engagement with the lock plate. This embodimentor another may further provide relaxing a spring in response to thehandle being released from the direct engagement with the lock plate,wherein the spring is operatively connected to the handle and the atleast one belt. This embodiment or another may further provide rotatinga tension sheave wheel about a second longitudinal axis in response tothe handle being released from the direct engagement with the lockplate, wherein the second longitudinal axis is offset parallel to thefirst longitudinal axis and the at least one belt extends around thetension sheave wheel. This embodiment or another may further providereleasing an end of a lock plate on the lock assembly from a directabutment with a portion of a hydraulic cylinder. This embodiment oranother may further provide urging the lock plate upwardly out of itsabutment with the hydraulic cylinder; passing the end of the lock plateover a portion of the hydraulic cylinder in response to a pistonretracting into the hydraulic cylinder. This embodiment or another mayfurther provide retracting the piston into the hydraulic cylinder to aretracted position shorter than an extended position of the hydraulicpiston and cylinder assembly; rotating an end of the piston about asecond transverse axis, wherein the end of the piston is operativelyconnected with a rocker arm assembly. This embodiment or another mayfurther provide rotating the rocker arm assembly around the firsttransverse axis in response the piston retracting relative to thehydraulic cylinder. This embodiment or another may further provideestablishing a gap between an end of the lock plate and the hydrauliccylinder after moving the tensioner assembly from the tensioned firstposition. This embodiment or another may further provide raising themower frame via lift arms on a tractor device prior to rotating themower frame about the first transverse axis. This embodiment or anothermay further provide wherein rotating the mower about the firsttransverse axis occurs when an operator is located rearwardly from themower frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the followingdescription, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctlypointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanyingdrawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part ofthe specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and otherexample embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will beappreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groupsof boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of theboundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that insome examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or thatmultiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, anelement shown as an internal component of another element may beimplemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore,elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a mower in accordance with thepresent disclosure attached to an outdoor power equipment or tractordevice.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the mower.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mower.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the mower with a cover on a carrier frameremoved.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of the region labeled “SEE FIG. 5”in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an operational longitudinal cross section of the mower.

FIG. 9 is an operational transverse cross section of the mower depictinga portion of a tensioner assembly moving to an open position.

FIG. 10 is an operational longitudinal cross section of the mowerdepicting a portion of a lock assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 11 is an operational side elevation view of the mower in a loweredposition.

FIG. 12 is an operational side elevation view of the mower in a raisedand tilted position.

FIG. 13 is an operational side elevation view of an operator actuating aportion a hydraulic system on a tractor device so as to begin moving themower to a generally vertical position.

FIG. 14 is an operational longitudinal cross section of the mower in theraised and tilted position.

FIG. 15 is an operational longitudinal cross section of the mowerretracting a piston into a hydraulic cylinder which effects the rotationof a rocker arm assembly and a portion of a lock assembly passing overthe hydraulic cylinder.

FIG. 16 is an operational side elevation view of the mower in thegenerally vertical second position.

FIG. 17 is an operational longitudinal cross section view of the mowerlocked in the generally vertical second position.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An outdoor power equipment device, which may also be referred to as aside discharge finish mower, is generally shown throughout the figuresat 10. Mower 10 may include a carrier frame 12, a main frame 14, a firsthitch arm 16, a second hitch arm 18, a drive belt assembly 20, atensioner assembly 22, a lock assembly 24, and a hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly 26 for moving the mower 10 between a first positiongenerally horizontal relative to the ground (FIG. 1) and an elevatedposition generally upright, vertical, or substantially perpendicular tothe ground (FIG. 16) (note: the generally vertical position may bereferred to as either the second position or the third positiondepending on how various movements and functions are being described).In one particular embodiment, it is advantageous for the mower 10 to beraised or flipped up to the generally vertical position (FIG. 16) so asto enable an operator to clean components of the mower 10 that wouldtypically be covered in grass and other debris after the mower 10 wasused.

Mower 10 includes a first or forward end 28 opposite a second end ortrailing (or rear) end 30 defining a longitudinal directiontherebetween. Mower 10 includes a first or left side 32 and an oppositesecond or right side 34 defining a transverse direction therebetween.Mower 10 further includes a top 36 opposite a bottom 38 defining avertical direction therebetween.

Mower 10 is configured to attach with a drivable outdoor power equipmentdevice shown generally at 40, which may also be referred to as tractordevice 40, including at least one ground engaging wheel 42. The tractordevice 40 includes a power takeoff (PTO) connector 44 that connects withthe mower 10. In one particular embodiment, mower 10 is offset forwardlyfrom a forward ground engaging wheel 42 on tractor device 40. Oneexemplary tractor device 40 for use with mower 10 is a Ventrac compacttractor commercially available for sale and known in the industry as aVentrac 4500 tractor. The tractor device 40 may include an all-wheeldrive system in addition to an articulating tractor frame 46. Tractordevice 40 may further include a hydraulic assembly 27 configured toraise and tilt the mower intermediate the horizontal first position andthe generally vertical position. In this instance, the tilted and raisedposition may be referred to as the second position and the generallyvertical position may be referred to as the third position.

As depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, carrier frame 12 includes a firstlongitudinally extending member 48, a second longitudinally extendingmember 50, and a transversely extending cover 52 positioned between thefirst and second members 48, 50. First and second members 48, 50 extendlongitudinally from the second end 30 to the first end 28 of mower 10. Acaster wheel 54 may be pivotably attached to a leading end of eachmember 48, 50. With respect to the second longitudinally extendingmember 50, the leading caster wheel 54 may be offset towards the secondside 34. The offset of the caster wheel 54 on the second member 50 ofcarrier frame 12 assists the mower 10 when maneuvering around fenceposts and other objects. In one particular embodiment, caster wheel 54and its connection with second member 50 is offset on the order of aboutthree inches to about nine inches from a majority of the longitudinallyextending second member 50. Each member 48, 50 may have a respectivedownward extension 56, 58. A rear roller 60 is positioned generallybetween the downward extensions 56, 58. The rear roller 60 may besupported by an axle rotatably connected with the extensions 56, 58. Anend roller 62 may be located exterior to each extension 56, 58 and besupported by the same axle as roller 60 located intermediate thedownward extensions 56, 58. Roller 60 and end rollers 62 engage theground when the mower 10 is in its operational position in order to mowand cut grass or the like. Accordingly, carrier frame 12 remainsrelatively stationary relative to ground.

Vertical adjustment lever 64 is operatively connected to the carrierframe 12 and the frame 14. The adjustment lever 64 is configured to varythe height of the frame 14 relative to the ground in order to vary thecutting height of mower blades 66 during the mowing operation of mower10. Frame 14 varies its height in response to movement of the adjustmentlever 64. Stated otherwise, frame 14 is operatively connected to carrierframe 12 such that adjustment of the lever 64 varies the position of theframe 14 relative to the carrier frame 12.

As depicted in FIG. 4 a top view of the mower 10 is provided with thecover 52 of the carrier frame 12 being removed. As shown in the topview, the frame 14 includes an upwardly facing top major surface 68 thatis sized sufficiently to carry the drive belt assembly 20 thereon. Theframe 14 defines a discharge chute 70 along the second side 34 of mower10. A height adjusting selector plate 72 extends upwardly from the topsurface 68 of frame 14. The height adjusting selector plate 72effectuates an adjustment linkage (i.e., linkage arm 216) thatoperatively connects the carrier frame 12 with the frame 14. Moreparticularly, a bracket on the frame 14 couples with a bracket oncarrier frame 12 with a lever and rod operatively connected therewith toadjust the height between the carrier 12 and the frame 14.

A first pair of flanges 74 extend upwardly from the top major surface 68of frame 14. The pair of flanges 74 define a longitudinally extendinggap therebetween. More particularly, a first flange 74A is substantiallyparallel to a second flange 74B. The first hitch arm 16 is configured toconnect with the frame 14 by a portion of the first hitch arm 16 beingpositioned in the space defined between the first flange 74A and thesecond flange 74B. Similarly, a second pair of flanges 76 extendupwardly from the top surface 68 of frame 14. A third flange 76A and afourth flange 76B define the second pair of flanges 76. Moreparticularly, a slight longitudinal gap is defined between the parallelextending third flange 76A and fourth flange 76B. The forward end orleading end of the second hitch arm 18 is located in between the gapbetween third flange 76A and fourth flange 76B. Second hitch arm 18operatively connects with the second pair of flanges 76 to operativelyconnect with frame 14.

As depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, first hitch arm 16 includes a forwardend 78 and a rear end 80. First hitch arm 16 is a substantially rigidmember longitudinally extended between forward first end 78 and rear end80. Forward first end 78 is connected with the pair of flanges 74 via arod establishing a pivot axis 82. Pivot axis 82 extends transverselyabove main frame 14. Particularly, pivot axis 82 is perpendicular to thelongitudinal alignment of the first pair of flanges 74 and the secondpair of flanges 76. Additionally, the pivot axis 82 is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal length of first hitch arm 16 andperpendicular to the longitudinal length of second hitch arm 18. Firstarm 16 includes the vertically aligned and transversely facing firstmajor surface 84 opposite a vertically aligned and transversely facingsecond major surface 86. First and second surfaces 84, 86 of first arm16 are positioned entirely between first flange 74A and second flange74B. A connection cutout 88 is defined near the second end 80 of firstarm 16. Connection cutout 88 is configured to attach with the tractordevice 40 to effectuate the connection between the mower 10 and aportion of the tractor device 40. In one particular embodiment, when themower 10 is connected to the tractor device 40, the connection cutout 88is positioned rearwardly from the power takeoff connector 44. Firsthitch arm 16 further includes a transverse extension 90 extendingtowards the first side 32. Transverse extension 90 is connected with anopposingly extending transverse extension 92 on second hitch arm 18. Thetransverse extension 90 is connected with an opposingly extendedtransverse extension 92 on second hitch arm 18. The first hitch arm 16can define one or more vertically aligned through holes 91 which aredesigned to retain or receive a hydraulic line from tractor device 40when the hydraulic lines are disconnected from hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly 26.

Second hitch arm 18 includes a first major surface 94 facing the firstside 32 and a second major surface 96 facing the second side 34. Thetrailing end of second hitch arm 18 is shaped with a connection cutout88. Additionally, the leading end of the second hitch arm 18 isconnected with a second pair of flanges 76 such that the first andsecond major surface 94, 96 of second hitch arm 18 are positionedbetween the third flange 76A and the fourth flange 76B. The second hitcharm 18 is connected with the second pair of flanges 76 via a pivotconnection (i.e., a bolt or rod) along axis 82. Inasmuch as the firstand second hitch arms 16, 18 are substantially rigid and planarelongated members, each hitch arm includes an upwardly facing minorsurface established by the transversely aligned thickness of each hitcharm. More particularly, a top minor surface 98 is established by thetransverse width of the first hitch arm 16 between the first majorsurface 84 and the second major surface 86. Similarly, an upwardlyfacing top minor surface of the second hitch arm 18 is established bythe transverse width and thickness of the second hitch arm 18 betweenfirst surface 94 and second surface 96. In one embodiment, a top minorsurface 98 is positioned vertically above the first pair of flanges 74and the top minor surface 100 on second hitch arm 18 is positionedvertically above the second pair of flanges 76. Pivot axis 82 ispositioned rearwardly from an imaginary and transversely extendingcenter line located halfway between the forward end 28 and the rear end30 on mower 10.

Drive belt assembly 22 includes a belt 102 connected with PTO connector44 on tractor device 40. Belt 102 connects with a sheave or wheel 104attached to a driveshaft 106 housed within a driveshaft housing 108.Housing 108 is offset to the first side 32 from the first surface 94 ofsecond hitch arm 18. In one particular embodiment, driveshaft 106extends parallel to the first and second hitch arms 16, 18 and is alsoparallel to the first pair of flanges 74 and the second pair off flanges76. A leading drive sheave or wheel 110 is rigidly connected withdriveshaft 106 positioned forwardly from housing 108. Drive wheel 110receives a second belt 112 therearound. Belt 112 wraps around a firstwheel 114, a second wheel 116, and a third wheel 118. The first, second,and third wheels 114, 116, 118 are operatively connected to respectivemower blades 66 located beneath the main frame 14. The operativeconnection of wheels 114, 116, 118 to mower blades 66 effectuate themower 10 to cut grass or other material beneath the mower 10 when thebelt 112 causes the wheels 114, 116, 118 to rotate as driven by thetractor device 40, causing the driveshaft 106 to rotate about itslongitudinally axis. In one embodiment, the first wheel 114 isassociated with the first side 32 of mower 10 and the third wheel 118 isassociated with the second side 34 of mower 10. Additionally, secondwheel 116 may be positioned intermediate the first wheel 114 and thethird wheel 118 in an offset position forwardly towards the forward end28 of mower 10. In one instance, second wheel 116 is positionedintermediate the first pair of flanges 74 and the second pair of flanges76. Stated otherwise, second wheel 116 is located transversely betweenthe first hitch arm 16 and the second hitch arm 18. First wheel 114 isoffset towards the first side relative to second hitch arm 18 and thethird wheel 118 is offset towards the second side relative to firsthitch arm 16.

The tensioner assembly 22 includes a tension sheave, also referred to astension wheel 120, positioned intermediate the first pair of flanges 74and the second pair of flanges 76. Tension wheel 120 receives the belt112 therearound. Tension wheel 120 is supported by a flange 122extending upwardly from surface 68 on main frame 14. Flange 122 isconnected with a bracket 124 via a pivotable arrangement such that wheel120 may rotate about a pivot axis 126 established by bolt 128effectuating the connection between bracket 124 and flange 122. An upperportion of bracket 124 includes an extended portion 130 defining anaperture therethrough configured to receive an extension coil spring132. The extension coil spring includes a first end connected withextension 130 on bracket 124 and a second end connected with a chain134. The connection of chain 134 with extension coil spring 132 createsa transversely aligned linkage between wheel 120 and a handle 136. Moreparticularly, one end of chain 134 is connected with a bolt or pin 138,which is rigidly connected with a flange or plate 140. Bolt 130 extendslongitudinally in a cantilevered manner from plate 140. Plate 140includes an angled edge 142 that crosses over the minor top surface 98of first hitch arm 16 at an angle and a range from about 30 degrees toabout 60 degrees. The angled edge 142 connects with a secondaryextension 144 which extends transversely towards the second side 34 in acantilevered manner from a rigid connection with plate 140. The terminalend 146 of extension 144 does not extend as far out towards the secondside as the terminal end 146 of handle 136. Transversely extendingsecondary extension 144 is substantially parallel to handle 136. In oneparticular embodiment, the terminal end 148 on handle 136 extends beyondlock assembly 24 and the terminal end 146 of extension 144 does notfully extend beyond the lock assembly 24. A portion of the handle 136and the extension 144 are positioned above the lock assembly when thetensioner assembly is in a closed first position under tension. As willbe described in greater detail below, the tension assembly 22 may bemoved from the closed first position in tension to an open secondposition to effectuate a relaxed state. Inasmuch as the handle 136 isrigidly connected with plate 140, and the extension 144 is rigidlyconnected with plate 140, when the handle 136 is moved from the closedfirst position to the open second position, the extension member 144moves in unison with the handle 136. Plate 140 is connected with firsthitch arm 16 via a flange 150 which extends upwardly from first hitcharm 16. A bolt establishes a longitudinally-extending pivot axis 152about which the handle 136 and the secondary extension 144 may rotatewhen a pin 154 is removed. Locked pin 154 extends through plate 150 andconnects with handle 136 adjacent its rigid connection with plate 140 soas to prevent handle 136 from rotating about axis 152 when the pint 154is inserted longitudinally through the plate 150 and the handle 136.Axis 152 is longitudinally aligned and orthogonal to transverse axis 82about which the frame pivots relative to the hitch arms 16, 18. In oneparticular embodiment, axis 152 is offset towards the first side 32 offirst surface 84 of first hitch arm 16.

Hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 26 includes a cylinder 156 and apiston 158. Cylinder 156 includes a trailing end 160 rigidly connectedwith the first arm 16 via a transversely-extending bolt 162 and a spacer164 so as to offset the cylinder 156 a slight distance from secondsurface 86 of first hitch arm 16. Piston 158 includes a leading end 166that is freely connected at a pivot axis 168 with a pair of rocker armson a rocker arm assembly 170.

Rocker arm assembly 170 is positioned towards the second side 34 fromthe first pair of flanges 74 and includes a first rocker arm 172 and asecond rocker arm 174. The first and second rocker arms 172, 174 arepositioned offset towards the second side 34 from the first hitch arm16. A rocker arm support flange 176 is rigidly connected with main frame14 longitudinally aligned generally parallel to the first pair offlanges 74. A rocker arm support flange 176 extends upwardly from therigid connection with frame 42 to define an aperture coaxial along axis82. A transversely-aligned connection bolt or rod 178 connects therocker arm assembly 170 with the first flange 74A. Each rocker arm isspaced apart along axis 82 via a spacer bushing 175 concentric with axis82. Each rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly includes a leadingportion 180 that extends forwardly from the pivotable connection aroundaxis 82, terminating at a forwardmost end 182. The forward portion 180angles and tapers inwardly towards the opposing rocker arm which is partof the rocker arm assembly 170. Stated otherwise, the forward portion180 on the first rocker arm 172 tapers inwardly towards the secondrocker arm 174. Additionally, the forward portion 180 on the secondrocker arm 174 tapers inwardly towards the first rocker arm 172. Theterminal end 182 of each rocker arm 172, 174 is spaced apart so as toreceiving leading end 166 of piston 158 therebetween. A bolt 184 definesa transverse axis 186. Bolt 184 freely connects the terminal ends of thefirst and second rocker arms 172, 174 with the leading end 166 of thepiston 158. The free connection of the piston end 166 with the bolt 184establishes and enables the piston 158 to pivot about axis 186. Thetransverse axis 168 is offset parallel to transverse axis 82.Additionally, transverse axis 168 is orthogonal to longitudinal axis152.

Each rocker arm 172, 174 includes a rear second portion 186. The rearsecond portion 186 of each rocker arm 172, 174 is arcuately curved fromthe pivot connection about axis 82 to a lower end connected with atransversely extending foot 188 rigidly connected with both rearportions 186 of each respective rocker arm 172, 174. Foot 188 is adaptedto make contact with frame 14 as the mower 10 is transitioning from thefirst position to the second position. More particularly, rear extension186 includes a convexly-curved edge 190 which extends from the forwardend substantially co-linear with a portion of flange 176 in a concavearcuate manner to a linear portion 192 which extends a short distance ina straight line towards a connection with the foot 188.

The lock assembly 24 includes a top lock plate 194 and a firstdownwardly extending leg 196 and a second downwardly extending leg 198.Top lock plate 194 includes an upwardly facing top surface 200 and adownwardly facing bottom surface 202. Top lock plate 194 furthercomprises a leading end 204 opposite a trailing end 206. The upwardlyfacing top surface 200 defines a major surface area of the top plate194. Stated otherwise, the transverse width measured between side edgesand the longitudinal length measured between the forward end 204 andrear end 206 of plate 194 define an upwardly facing top surface areathat is significantly greater than the thickness of the plate. Statedotherwise, plate 194 is a substantially planar member that is orientedlongitudinally having a length that is its greatest dimension. In oneparticular embodiment, the leading end 204 of plate 194 has a transversewidth that is greater than the trailing end 206 of the plate.Accordingly, side edges of the plate 194 taper inwardly towards eachother from the forward end 204 towards the rear end 206. The first andsecond legs 196, 198 extend downwardly from a rigid connection with thebottom surface 202 in a spaced apart manner. More particularly, firstleg 196 and second leg 198 extend forwardly and downwardly from forwardend 204. The first and second legs 196, 198 define a transverse gaptherebetween and include transversely-aligned apertures configured toreceive the bolt 184 therethrough such that the transversely-alignedapertures in plates 196, 198 are coaxial along transverse axis 168.Plate 194 further defines a vertically-aligned aperture 208 receiving abolt 210 therethrough. A compression coil spring 212 is in operativecommunication with the bolt 210 and contacts the bottom surface 202 ofplate 194. The coil spring 212 biases the plate upward when the lockassembly 24 is unlocked. As will be described in greater detail below,the lock assembly 24 is moved from a locked position to an unlockedposition in response to movement of tensioner assembly 22 from theclosed first position in tension to the open second position in arelaxed state. When the lock assembly 24 is in the locked position (asbest seen in FIG. 6), the trailing end 206 of the lock plate 194contacts directly and abuts an annular end wall 214 on the cylinder 156of the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 26. When the lock plate194 contacts the annular end wall 214, plate 194 and its rigidconstruction prevents the piston 158 from retracting inside the cylinder156. The annular end wall 214 has a vertically-aligned height that isgreater than the thickness of the plate 194 such that a substantialportion of the rear end 206 of plate 194 contacts the annular end wall214 when the handle 136 extends over the upwardly facing top surface 200of plate 194.

As described in greater detail below, and in accordance with one aspectof the present disclosure, the tensioner assembly 22 has at least twofunctions. The first function of the tensioner assembly 22 is tomaintain tension on belt 112. Additionally, the tensioner assembly 22assists to lock the locking device 24 in its locked position when thetensioner assembly 22 is in the closed first position. Moreparticularly, and as will be described in greater detail below, thehandle 136 and the second extension 144 on the tensioner assembly 22 arein direct contact with the upwardly-facing top surface 200 and plate 194in order to maintain a direct abutment of end 206 with annular end wall214.

FIG. 8 depicts the initial procedures and operations for transitioningthe mower 10 between the operational first position and the generallyvertical second position (which may also be referred to as a thirdposition when there is an intermediate tilted and raised secondposition). A user rotates the lever 64 relative to plate 72. Lever 64 isconnected with a linkage arm 216 to rotate about a transverse axis 218.The rotation of linkage arm 216 about axis 218 is indicated by arrow A.In response to the linkage arm 216 rotating about transverse axis 218,the main frame 14 is lowered downwardly and rearwardly in the directionof arrow B.

Prior to further additional movement of the mower 10, lock pins 224 maybe removed in a transverse direction by pulling them forwardly fromtheir connection with the first pair of flanges 74 and the second pairof flanges 76, respectively. If the pins 224 are removed from theirreleasable connections with the first pair of flanges 74 and the secondpair of flanges 76, the frame 14 and the carrier frame 12 are able to berotated about axis 82.

FIG. 9 depicts the operation of moving the tensioner assembly 22 fromthe closed first position to the open second position. The pin 254 isremoved from its connection with plate 150. The handle 136 is rotated ina clockwise manner about axis 152 as indicated by arrow C. The handle136 is rotated approximately 180 degrees such that it is alignedsubstantially parallel to the upwardly facing top surface 68 on frame14. As the handle 136 is rotated, it releases its contact with theupwardly facing top surface 200 of plate 194 on the lock assembly.Rotation of handle 196 about axis 152 in the direction of arrow C alsocauses second extension 194 and plate 140 to similarly rotate about axis152 in the direction of arrow C. Inasmuch as the bolt 138 is rigidlyfixed to plate 140, the bolt 138 also rotates about axis 152. The chain134 is connected with bolt 138. Accordingly, as bolt 138 moves aboutaxis 152 in the direction of arrow C, the chain 134 is released from atensed state to a relaxed or slacked state. Slack in the chain 134causes the spring 132 to sag and release its tension on the wheel 120via its connection with the tab extension 130 on bracket 124. Slack inchain 134 and spring 132 cause the wheel 124 to translate and rotatetowards the first side 32 in the direction indicated by arrow D. Thetransverse translation and rotation of wheel 120 causes slack in thebelt 112 as the wheel 120 pivots about longitudinal axis 126 establishedby bolt 128 extending through bracket 124 and flange 122. When the belt112 is in a slacked or relaxed state, the amount of tension in thetensioner assembly 22 is less than that of the tension when thetensioner assembly 22 is in its tensed state. After the handle 136 onthe tensioner assembly 22 has been moved from its closed first positionto its open second position (FIG. 9), the spring 212 beneath the plate194 urges the plate upwardly in the direction of arrow E. Urging ofplate 194 upwardly moves the lock assembly from its locked firstposition to an unlocked second position. When the plate 194 is in theunlocked second position, the end 206 of plate 194 is out of contact ordisconnected from the annular end wall 214 on cylinder 156.

FIG. 10 depicts that the plate 194 on the lock assembly 24 has beenurged upwardly in the direction of arrow E via spring 212 after thehandle 136 has been rotated in the direction of arrow C. When the lockplate 194 is in its unlocked position (FIG. 10), the end 206 of lockplate 194 is positioned vertically above the annular end wall 214 ofcylinder 156. A slight gap 220 is established between the end wall 206and the annular wall 214 on cylinder 156. Additionally, the gap 220 isoffset and slightly above a top surface 222 of the cylinder 156. As willbe described in greater detail below, when the piston and cylinder 26begins to draw the piston 58 into the cylinder 156, the lock plate 194passes above the top surface 222 of cylinder 156. More particularly, thebottom surface 202 of plate 194 passes over the annular end wall 214 andis positioned above the top surface 222 of cylinder 156.

FIG. 11 depicts the raising of the mower 10 from the lowered firstposition to the vertical position occurs in a hands-free manner. Note,the generally vertical position may also be referred to as a “thirdposition” herein and in the appended claims. The third position is thefinal vertical position when there is an intervening second position asdetailed below.

In one particular embodiment, the hydraulics (i.e., hydraulic assembly27) of the tractor device 40 are utilized to effectuate the lifting ofthe mower 10 from the lowered first position to the tilted and raisedsecond position at an angle in arrange from about 5° to about 25°relative to horizontal. Then, the hydraulics (i.e., hydraulic assembly26) on mower 10 are used to raise the mower 10 from the second positionto the generally vertical third position (FIG. 16). Hydraulic lines 226are connected with the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 26 carriedby mower 10 (and additionally with hydraulic assembly 27 carried bytractor device 40). As one having ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, tractor device 40 includes a hydraulic pump 228 that pumpshydraulic fluid through lines 226 to effectuate the movement of piston158 relative to cylinder 156. A first hydraulic lever 230 and a secondhydraulic lever 232 on tractor device 240 are in operative communicationwith the hydraulic pump 228. In one particular embodiment, levers 230,232 are positioned near the operator's seat 231 such that the operator233 is able to control the hydraulic fluid to effectuate movement in asecondary device or attachment, such as mower 10, from the seatedposition while driving tractor device 40. Additionally, movement of theattachment or mower 10 occurring forwardly from the tractor device 40occurs while the operator 233 is in a safe location rearward from theforward ground engaging wheel on tractor device 40, preferably whileseated on seat 231.

FIG. 12 depicts the operator manipulates one of the two handles, such assecond lever 232 to raise the entire mower assembly in the direction ofarrow F via hydraulic assembly 27 carried by tractor device 40. Lever232 raises the first and second hitch arms 16, 18 via movement ofhydraulic pistons and cylinders carried by tractor device 40 (i.e.,hydraulic assembly 27). State otherwise, the hydraulic assembly 27 liftsthe attachment (i.e., mower 10) from a generally horizontal firstposition to a raised and tilted second position (FIG. 12), wherein theattachment in the second position is about the ground at an angle in arange from about 5° to about 30° relative to horizontal. The purpose ofraising mower 10 with the hydraulic arms on tractor device 40 isconfigured to provide enough clearance for mower 10 as mower 10 is movedfrom the horizontal position to the generally vertical position as isaccomplished by the hydraulic piston cylinder assembly 26 (i.e., in thisinstance the vertical position is referred to as a third position). Whenthe tractor device 40 utilizes its hydraulic assembly 27 to raise themower 10 to the tilted second position, the entire mower unit is raisedoff the ground such that no portion touches the ground and is freelysuspended in the air.

FIG. 13 depicts the operator will then manipulate the other of the firstand second handles, such as first handle 230, which is operativelyconnected with hydraulic pump 228 to cause fluid to move through lines226. Stated otherwise, the hydraulic assembly 26 carried by theattachment (i.e., mower 10) to lift the attachment from the secondposition to a generally vertical third position, wherein the attachmentin the third position is at a second angle in a range from about 70° toabout 105° relative to horizontal is accomplished by actuating levers orelements on the tractor 40 while operator 233 is adjacent seat 231 so asto be located in a safe location away from the mower 10 or theattachment.

FIG. 14 depicts, prior to the rotation of mower 10, when the mower unitis lifted (i.e., tilted and raised in the second position or anintermediate position) in the air, the frame 14 is supported by anelastomeric stopper or bumper 234 so as to support the frame 14. Thebumper 234 is connected to a bottom side of at least one hitch arm. Inone particular embodiment, a bumper 234 is connected to each hitch arm16, 18 so as to support the main frame when being suspended in the airand tilted upwardly prior to the movement of piston 158.

FIG. 15 depicts, as hydraulic fluid moves through lines 226, which arein operative communication with the hydraulic piston and cylinder 26,the piston 158 is drawn into the cylinder 156. The linear movement ofthe piston 158 into the cylinder 156 is indicated by arrow G. Sinceplate 194 is rigidly connected with first and second legs 196, 198,which are pivotably connected with the end 166 of piston 158, the plate194 is drawn linearly in the direction of arrow G in response to linearmovement of piston 158. More particularly, the bottom surface 202 andplate 194 passes over the annular end wall 214 and passes over topsurface 222 of cylinder 156. The pivotable connection at axis 168 of thebolt 184 to the rocker arm assembly 170 causes the first and secondrocker arms 172, 174 to rotate about axis 82. The rotation of rocker armassembly 170 about axis 182 is indicated by counterclockwise arrow H. Asthe rocker arm assembly rotates in a counterclockwise direction aroundas indicated by arrow H, the foot 188 on rocker arm assembly contactsthe upwardly facing top surface 68 of main frame 14.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 depict the piston 158 continues to be drawn into thecylinder 156 into a collapsed state. The collapsed position of pistonand cylinder assembly 26 causes the rotation main frame 14 about axis 82as indicated by arrows J in FIG. 16. During the rotation of mower 10 inthe direction of arrows J about axis 82, the rear roller 60, as well asend roller 62, contacts the ground surface so as to support the mower 10during its rotational movement in the direction of arrow J. When themower 10 has reached the generally vertical third position (as best seenin FIG. 16), the pins 224 may be reinserted through the holes in theflanges and be supported by a seat 236 so as to lock and support themower 10 in the upright configuration. It is contemplated that when themower 10 is in the upright configuration, it will be easier to cleaninasmuch as mowing typically causes cut grass and other debris andresidue to build up on the underside of the mower where the blades 66are operating.

In order to lower the mower 10 from the generally vertical secondposition to the horizontal first position, the operator will remove pins224 and toggle or manually manipulate one of the hydraulic levers, suchas first lever 230, so as to control hydraulic fluid moving through thehydraulic lines 226. The mower will rotate about axis 82 in a clockwisemanner down to the second or intermediate position. The mower 10 maythen be lowered via tractor hydraulic assembly 27 to the loweredposition. After the mower 10 has been lowered to the substantiallyhorizontal position, end plate 194 is locked into position by rotatingthe tensioner assembly about axis 152 so as to contact the handle 136and the extension member 144 with the upwardly facing top surface 200 ofplate 194. Then pin 154 may be reinstalled in the longitudinal directionthrough an aperture in handle 136 so as to lock the tensioner in theclosed first position. The plate 194 compresses spring 212 so as toengage the end wall 206 of plate 194 with the annular end wall 214 ofpiston cylinder 156. The direct abutment of end 206 on plate 194 withannular end wall 214 on hydraulic cylinder 156 ensures that the piston158 cannot be retracted into cylinder 156 due to the rigid lockingnature and direct abutment of the plate 194 with the cylinder 156. Thus,the tensioner assembly 22 performs dual functions in mower 10. Moreparticularly, mower 10 includes a tensioner assembly that is operable toadjust the tension on belt 112 which is in operative communication withthe mower blades 66 and also is utilized to lock a lock assembly 24 in alocked position. Thus, the relaxation and tension of tensioner assembly22 also disengages the lock assembly from its locked position to anunlocked position which enables the mower to be hydraulically pivotedabout an axis 82 so as to raise it to a generally vertical uprightposition for cleaning and other maintenance or servicing.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods,of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of themethod may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments maybe constructed in which acts are performed in an order different thanillustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, eventhough shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase“and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if atall), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification andin the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as“and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list,“or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., theinclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a numberor list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Onlyterms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or“exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” willrefer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list ofelements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only beinterpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the otherbut not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,”“one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentiallyof,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used inthe field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure.Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,”or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiments is includedin at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, ofthe invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “oneembodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “otherembodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particularcomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to beincluded. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element,that does not mean there is only one of the element. If thespecification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does notpreclude there being more than one of the additional element.

Additionally, the generally vertical position of the mower (i.e., orgenerally an attachment) refers to a orientation that is in a range fromabout 70° to about 105° relative to horizontal ground. Furthermore, theoperator 233 is able to hydraulically move the mower 10 from a safedistance, which refers to being seated upon seat 233 while rearwardlyfrom the mower 10 during its transitional movement from the horizontalto vertical.

Additionally, the method of preforming the present disclosure may occurin a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, nosequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitlystated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of themethod in an different order could achieve a similar result.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodimentof the disclosure are an example and the disclosure is not limited tothe exact details shown or described.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for moving a mower frame from a generallyhorizontal position to a generally vertical position comprising:actuating an element on a tractor device in hydraulic communication witha mower frame attached to the tractor device, wherein the mower frame ispositioned forwardly from the tractor device; effecting hydraulic fluidto move a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly in response toactuating the element on the tractor device; and moving the mower framebetween a generally horizontal position and a generally verticalposition.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: raising themower frame via hydraulics on the tractor device to a tilted and raisedintermediate position.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:pivoting the mower frame via the hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblycarried by the mower frame to move the mower frame in a hands-freemanner from the tilted and raised intermediate position to the generallyvertical position, wherein actuating the element on the tractor occursat a location near a seat.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:moving a portion of a tensioner assembly from a tensioned first positionto a relaxed second position, wherein the tensioner assembly is carriedby the mower frame and is operatively connected with mower blades via atleast one belt; unlocking a lock assembly directly in response to theportion of the tensioner assembly moving from the tensioned firstposition; and rotating the mower frame about a first transverse axis topivotably raise the mower frame from the generally horizontal firstposition to the generally vertical second position.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein rotating the mower frame about the first transverseaxis is accomplished by actuating a hydraulic piston and cylinderassembly connected to the mower frame.
 6. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising: pivoting a portion of a rocker arm assembly about the firsttransverse axis, wherein the rocker arm assembly is connected to thehydraulic piston and cylinder assembly and is connected to the mowerframe.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: engaging a foot onthe rocker arm assembly with the mower frame; and pivoting the footaround the first transverse axis to rotate the main frame about thetransverse axis.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: lockingthe mower frame in the generally vertical position with pins selectivelyengaging a pin seat formed in a hitch arm pivotably connected with themower frame at a forward end and the hitch arm connected with a tractordevice at a rear end.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprisingremoving pins selectively connected to a flange on the mower frame priorto moving the portion of the tensioner assembly.
 10. The method of claim5, further comprising: rotating a handle on the tensioner assembly abouta first longitudinal axis; releasing the handle from a direct engagementwith a lock plate on the lock assembly.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising: effecting the at least one belt to be slacked inresponse to the handle being released from the direct engagement withthe lock plate.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: relaxinga spring in response to the handle being released from the directengagement with the lock plate, wherein the spring is operativelyconnected to the handle and the at least one belt.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: rotating a tension sheave wheel about asecond longitudinal axis in response to the handle being released fromthe direct engagement with the lock plate, wherein the secondlongitudinal axis is offset parallel to the first longitudinal axis andthe at least one belt extends around the tension sheave wheel.
 14. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: releasing an end of a lock plateon the lock assembly from a direct abutment with a portion of ahydraulic cylinder.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:urging the lock plate upwardly out of its abutment with the hydrauliccylinder; passing the end of the lock plate over a portion of thehydraulic cylinder in response to a piston retracting into the hydrauliccylinder.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: retracting thepiston into the hydraulic cylinder to a retracted position shorter thanan extended position of the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly;rotating an end of the piston about a second transverse axis, whereinthe end of the piston is operatively connected with a rocker armassembly.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: rotating therocker arm assembly around the first transverse axis in response thepiston retracting relative to the hydraulic cylinder.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising: establishing a gap between an end of thelock plate and the hydraulic cylinder after moving the tensionerassembly from the tensioned first position.
 19. The method of claim 5,further comprising: raising the mower frame via lift arms on a tractordevice prior to rotating the mower frame about the first transverseaxis.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the mower about thefirst transverse axis occurs when an operator is located rearward fromthe mower frame.